Duane Farrell, Head of Policy, Research and Communications at Help the Aged in Northern Ireland, said of the Minister's proposal:

‘Help the Aged is frustrated and concerned that the Champion for Older People in Northern Ireland has drawn the welfare of our older population into the political circus that is currently being played out.

'Older people should not be viewed as a pawn in a game of political chess'

‘We would certainly welcome an increase in the rate relief available to older people on low incomes who are already struggling to meet the cost of living. However, this issue will affect whether or not disadvantaged older people can afford to live. An issue that important should not be viewed as a legitimate pawn in the game of political chess we are currently witnessing.

'The Minister’s announcement is an acknowledgement that the current relief package is not adequate. Help the Aged would call on Minister Hanson to demonstrate his commitment to the older people of Northern Ireland, and his role as champion, and implement this change of policy without conditions, whatever the 24 November 2006 brings.’

David Hanson was appointed as ‘Champion for Older People’ earlier this year. His role is to ensure that the needs of Northern Ireland’s 300,000 older people are understood and addressed at the highest levels of decision taking.